Neil Turns Two

Neil is 2! And just as sweet as he was the day he was born. Neil loves people and has a smile that makes you melt. He is curious and loves to climb, run, jump and do anything with Mason and Desi. When he's not on the move he really enjoys Legos, animals and being read to by us or his siblings. A few things I'll particularly remember about Neil being two is how he innately sorts objects, how he loves to sing (loudly) and is fascinated by the sun and moon rising and setting. 

The Best of 2014

Potty Training

Neil has officially joined the ranks of potty training 101. We've been land locked for 2 days now, and had plenty of failures and successes. Overall potty train is a great chance for me practice positive reinforcement and grow in patience. Mason and Desi are also cheering on Neil and ready to decorate him with stickers when he stays dry. 

Potty training is similar to pregnancy in that it never seems appealing, but isn't such a big deal once it's over. So, we're hoping this takes less than 9 months! 

Happy New Year.

Fall

Our fall was filled with many welcomed changes. School started for Mason and Desi, and Matt ended grad school classes. The kids played soccer again and Neil was cheering them on at every game. We've joined a discovery group where we meet weekly with other kids to explore life and physical science. And we  are looking forward to an abundance of snow that winter brings!

Reading

The library is a favorite spot for us during the frigid winter months. This past week Mason and Desi went and read to therapy dogs. 

Mason is 7!

If there was an award for big brother of the year I would nominate Mason. He and Neil are the best of roommates, and Neil always comes to snuggle him in the mornings. Mason and Desi do a great job of steering Neil in the right direction. And Mason has a great attitude about helping his little brother.

He'd rather be outside than anyplace, and loves to build structures, play sports and explore nature. He's been practicing baseball, basketball, golf,tennis and soccer this summer. Matt's also teaching him how to trim the yard with the weedeater and mower-which he loves!

It's so interesting to see his mind develope. He's definitely a concrete, logical thinker and prefers to follow all directions in there proper sequence. Trouble arises when Desi's in the mix because she deviates from directions, coloring the grass blue and the sky green. 

Recently we were driving and Desi said, "mom, isn't it amazing that we're serving I. The earth right now?!" Mason quickly corrected her saying," Desi, we're driving in the asphalt." Such different perspectives from two little people. No doubt God gave them each other to help them see things in new ways.

We're so thankful for Mason. Here are some pics from the summer!